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It Can Wait... Texting & Driving

As a first responder I cannot help but note the trend in MVTA's (Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents) in which I am coming across where the individuals involved were either texting or otherwise preoccupied by a technology device of some sort. In some cases, simply adjusting the GPS has created fatal results.

On scene: November 2012 Motorcycle vs Texting Driver on I-95 near Miami, Florida

On scene: December 2012 Texting Delivery Vehicle Driver on I-4 near Tampa, Florida

It's easy to do. You’re driving down the road when you hear the ping of your cellphone—it’s a text message.

According to the National Safety Council, (NSC); texting while driving causes 1,600,000 accidents per year. That’s nearly 25% of all car accidents annually. Texting is responsible for an average of 11 teen deaths every single day.

It Can Wait

The good news is that over 2.5 million people have decided to take a stand against texting and driving, with the numbers growing daily. AT&T has launched a campaign known as It Can Wait whose goal is to save lives and make texting and driving as unacceptable as drinking and driving. To help turn this goal into reality, drivers are encouraged to take a No Texting and Driving Pledge, making a life-long commitment to never text and drive.

ORR Safety wants you become a part of the solution? All drivers can take the pledge at www.itcanwait.com. The website provides individuals with resources and the opportunity to share their commitment with others. You are also encouraged to share your promise and join the no-texting-and-driving movement through social media using the hashtag #itcanwait. It only takes a few seconds to pledge and help save lives.

Join Together and Pledge

Organizations around the country like The Internet Keep Safe Coalition (iKeepSafe) are joining hands in support of the It Can Wait campaign. “iKeepSafe commends AT&T for its efforts to combat the dangerous and increasing activity of texting while driving,” said Marsali Hancock, President & CEO of iKeepSafe. “We strongly support the initiative and encourage others to join the movement and help raise awareness of the dangers of texting while driving.”

iKeepSafe, along with INOBTR (“I Know Better”) have teamed up to promote the “Cell Phone Smart” campaign which focuses on six principles of smart cell phone use for kids and teenagers. Learn more about your cell phone responsibilities to self, family and the law at http://www.ikeepsafe.org/educators/cellphonesmart/.

ORR Safety wants you to remember, “Each pledge made to never text while driving is a symbol of commitment to be part of a movement that helps everyone make safe choices with their wireless devices on the road.” (www.itcanwait.com) No text is worth a life, so join me, ORR Safety and over 2.5 million people who have already committed to no texting while driving. Be a part of the solution and pledge today at www.itcanwait.com